526 HINDU ADDICTION TO BETEL
sannyasis, but by many others who by severe abstinence seek to attract public attention and respect. III. They must forgo the use ' of betel leaves.'
These are the leaves of a plant of the convolvulus species, which grows in the maritime districts of India. They have a slightly bitter taste, are mixed with calcined shells or lime, and are eaten with areca-nut and other spices according to taste. The Hindus are perpetually chewing this preparation. To give it up, when one is accustomed to
it, would be a greater privation than it would be for any one among us to give up tobacco.
IV. Not only must he avoid ' all female society, but he must not even look at a woman.' V.! Once a month his head and face must be shaved.'
To save this trouble many sannyasis cause their disciples to pull out the hairs of their head and beard one by one.
Some sannyasis neither cut their hair nor shave their beards, but plait them up in some ridiculous way. These, however, do not belong to the Brahmin caste. VI. He may only wear wooden sandals on ' his feet.'
This is a most uncomfortable style of foot-gear; it is held to the foot by a wooden peg, which comes between the big and second toes. The sannyasis use these clogs to avoid defilement, which could not be avoided if they went barefoot, or if they wore leather shoes. VII. When a sannyasi travels, he must carry his sevenknotted staff in one hand, his gourd in the other, and an ' antelope ' s skin under his arm.'
Provided with these three articles the sannyasi can say,
Omnia mecum porto. The staff must be exactly his own
height. The antelope ' s skin serves both for a seat and for a bed. VIII. He must ' live entirely by alms, which he has the right to ask wherever he goes.'
Many collect considerable sums by this means; but they are obliged to spend any surplus in charity or other good works. Some spend it in the erection of rest-houses, pagodas, & c, or in digging wells and constructing reservoirs for water for the use of the public. They also dispense hospitality to persons who pass near their huts, or who come to visit them.